In the lead up to the ACT election, the Territory’s Chief Minister and Opposition Leader are to address Christians at a special event in Canberra and answer questions from a range of ACT church leaders.

To be held tomorrow night, ‘Make it Count ACT’ is expected to draw in excess of 500 Christians from a wide range of denominations to hear from Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and Opposition Leader Zed Seselja.

‘Make it Count ACT’ will be hosted by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) at the Llewellyn Hall – ANU School of Music at 7:30 pm on Thursday August 30.

Denominational and Christian leaders attending the event will also have the opportunity to ask questions of both Ms Gallagher and Mr Seselja after their addresses.

ACL ACT Director Richard Thackway said the staging of the event follows on from successful federal ‘Make it Count’ events in 2007 and 2010, and the 2008 ACT Make it Count with Attorney-General Simon Corbell (standing in for the Chief Minister) and Zed Seselja.

“This is a unique chance for Christians to hear first-hand from the Chief Minister and the Opposition Leader about why they think their parties should attract Christian votes, and to hear their responses to questions from church leaders,” Mr Thackway said.

“The importance of the Christian vote has come to the fore in recent federal elections and is likely to be a factor in the upcoming ACT election.

“Christians today are increasingly deciding to take an interest in the political process in order to positively influence the character of our society.

“Christians tend to have a broad spectrum of concerns ranging from moral to social justice and family issues. Many Christians are looking to make an informed vote, and Make it Count ACT will make a vital contribution to this process.”